Jay Cutler Foundation in Action

Investing in the future of children with diabetes, so they can contribute to the future.

Cutler’s Crew

The Jay Cutler Foundation makes it possible for children with Type 1 diabetes and their families to attend Chicago Bears games and spend time with Jay and his teammates.

Sending kids to camp

With support from the Jay Cutler Foundation, YMCA Camp Carson provides a week-long summer camp for kids with diabetes, led by counselors with diabetes and expert nurses.

Screening and awareness

Working with partner organizations, the Jay Cutler Foundation supported free screening campaigns for childhood diabetes. The project is a model for expanding diabetes testing and awareness across Chicago.

Creating Opportunity for Kids

Since 2009

Since he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 24, Jay Cutler has made it his mission to help children with diabetes learn how they can overcome the challenges of the disease. The Jay Cutler Foundation acts on Jay’s mission by funding screening clinics to test for childhood diabetes, making it possible for Type 1 kids to attend summer camps, and show children with diabetes they can stay focused on their dreams.

Gallery

“I want to have an impact and inspire kids with the message that diabetes doesn’t have to stand in the way of achieving their own goals in life” JAY CUTLER

Jay Cutler

In the best of circumstances, life as a quarterback in the National Football League can be a relentless challenge of physical conditioning, practices, team meetings, memorizing playbooks, and studying video. There is little time for distractions.

Still, when Jay Cutler learned he had type 1 diabetes during his third season in the NFL, the news was actually welcome. Over the previous few months, Jay had lost more than 30 pounds. “I was tired all the time,” he recalled. “I was going to the bathroom four or five times a night. I couldn’t gain my weight back, and I was just moody.” Encouraged by the trainer for the Denver Broncos to see a doctor, Jay got the diagnosis. “When I first found out about it, I was relieved.”

Like any quarterback knows, it’s far easier to attack the opposition when you’re prepared for what’s coming. Now Jay knew what he was up against. He battled back.

“Now we could move on and I could get treated and get back to the person and player I was,” Jay said. The discipline Jay pursued to be a successful quarterback now called for an added responsibility. He changed the way he ate, learned to

self-administer insulin, and developed a regimen for monitoring his blood sugar—which he also tests multiple times during games.

“I did have a good season after being diagnosed with diabetes,” Jay said. “A lot of it has to do with my teammates, obviously, and good coaching. But some of it is I just wanted to be able to prove people wrong.”

Armed with a new outlook on life, Jay hasn’t curbed his ambitions. And he wants to show young they should stay in pursuit of their dreams.

“I’d love to use my story to be able to inspire kids who get diabetes at four-, five- and six-years-old. If they think they can’t have dreams, and if they think they can’t do what they want to do in life, that’s entirely false.”

Get Involved

The Jay Cutler Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for underprivileged children and those suffering from diabetes. It is our belief that we are investing in their future as well as the future of the community itself. To support the the Jay Cutler Foundation, via paypal or the address below: